Vacation Hints – Sunset Properties Blog

February 27, 2023February 27, 2023

BEach SAFE in Gulf Shores

Hey Friends! Spring Break is just around the corner meaning that warmer weather is coming! Now is a good time to refresh your memory on beach safety and what to do if you encounter rip currents. You should always remember to swim with a friend and to always play it safe. Always make sure that you check conditions before getting in the water. You can even get text alerts now, test ALERTBALDWIN to 888777 to enroll.

Rip Currents are one of the easiest ways to get sucked out in the Gulf. They are powerful narrow channels of water moving quickly away from the shore. You will find that they are most common where waves are crashing perpendicular to the beach. My family’s rule was that if it looked like a “washing machine” there was most likely a rip current there. You can also look for discolored water near the shore. When rip currents form, they are dragging sand from the bottom of the ocean or gulf. Now that you are familiar with Rip Currents. How do you escape one? The first thing you must do is remain calm. If you try to fight the current, you will get tired very quickly. To get out of a current you need to swim parallel to the shore. Once you feel that you are out you can swim to safety. If the current is too strong to escape, you should float or tread water until you feel it weaken. Then you can swim back to shore. If you see someone caught in a current, you should call 9-1-1 and look for a lifeguard. If a lifeguard is not around, you should throw them something to float on and yell instructions. DO NOT put yourself in danger trying to rescue someone else!

Sun Safety is another big need to know around here! You should apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and reapply at least every 2 hours or after getting wet. You should also wear clothing that has SPF in it and hats to keep the sun off. Especially for children! Make sure that you are drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Heat Stroke is very common down here. You should watch for hot, red, dry skin; changes in consciousness; rapid, weak pulse; and rapid, shallow breathing. If you see someone having these symptoms, call 9-1-1 and keep the victim lying down with ice packs on them.

Need a place to stay? Sunset Properties has you covered! Check us out online or give us a call at 251-543-1370 and let us find the perfect spot for you. Kids like lazy rivers? Caribe B Penthouse 4 may be the spot for you! Like to be away from the hustle and bustle? Dunes 501 would be perfect. Do you really want that beautiful Gulf view? Make sure you check out Crystal Tower 706!

February 13, 2023February 13, 2023

Summer Concerts at the Wharf!

Hey friends! We have had SO many concert announcements lately. The Wharf Amphitheater seats 10,000 people and there really is not a bad seat in the house. It is an open-air venue so most shows are rain or shine ( except for lightning!). To see a updated list of shows coming to The Wharf click here. For tickets to shows visit Ticketmaster.com or click here! Here are the shows coming currently!

May 5^th, Whiskey Meyers will be taking the stage at 7:30 pm

May 13^th, Hank Williams Jr with special guest Old Crow Medicine Show start at 7:00 pm

May 27^th, Kenny Chesney with special guest Kelsea Ballerini start at 7:30 pm

June 2^nd, Koe Wetzel will be starting at 6:00 pm

June 24^th, Walker Hayes with special guest Ingrid Andress+ Ray Fulcher start at 6:30

July 15^th, Parker McCollum with special guest Morgan Wade take the stage at 7:30 pm

August 17^th-19^th, Eric Church with special guest Lainey Wilson + Jackson Dean start at 7:00 pm

That is a pretty awesome line up this early in the year! As always, if you are needing a place to stay we have lots to choose from. Close to the wharf we have 2 Caribe Penthouses that both have gorgeous views. They are both 3 bedroom 3 bathroom and sleep 6! To check out the rest of the properties we have available, click here! Let us do the hard work for you give us a call or send us a text to 251-543-1370 and we will find you the perfect place. Or you can check us out online at www.sunsetproperties.com!

February 7, 2023February 7, 2023

Hangout 2023

Hey Friends! Jack Frost is here for a little winter vacation, but it won’t last long. Summer is just around the corner and that means Hangout Fest 2023 is on its way May 19-21, 2023! The festival is located on East Beach in Gulf Shores, AL and is a three day festival filled with artists big and small. They have a great lineup this year with headliners Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sza, Calvin Harris, Paramore, and so many more. Hangout Fest is a great way to kick off the summer. With friends, great music, and the beach, what more could you want? This is a great way to come and listen to your favorite artists and find some more favorites on the way. If the music isn’t your thing there are so many other fun activities. In previous years, theres been puppy booths, temporary tattoos, beach bars, a Ferris Wheel, and even roller skating! Find the love of your life? Well, they have a wedding chapel where you can get married for real or just for fun! It is just a great time to spend with your friends and experience new things. Tickets are on sale now (and a little cheaper) and normally sell out so you better hurry!

In need of a place to stay? Sunset Properties has you covered whether you want to be in the hustle and bustle or further down the beach! Properties like Ocean House I and II, Phoenix West, Boardwalk, and luxury properties in Fort Morgan. We have a little bit of everything, so make sure you give us a call/text at 251-543-1370 or visit our website at www.sunsetproperties.com. Make sure to look out for the Sunset Properties crew and say hi!

January 2, 2023January 2, 2023

5 Reasons to #bookdirect with Sunset Properties

With Sunset Properties, What you see is what you get! We will not ever mislead you or pressure you into booking anything you don’t want or need. Our team wants you to feel like a part of the family and that means we are going to make that happen!

Wide Variety of Homes available

One of the nicest things about Sunset is that we have a huge variety of houses and condos available. Sunset has everything from luxury properties to accommodate the whole family to small condos for just a romantic getaway.

Cleanliness of Homes

We take pride in knowing that you are showing up to a home that has not only been cleaned by professionals, but also inspected by a member of the Sunset crew. Our team knows how important it is for your family to enjoy a clean environment while on your vacation, and if anything is ever not right we will do everything to ensure it gets fixed!

Friendly Staff

When you book direct with Sunset Properties you are getting a real person helping you plan the details of your trip. You have someone that lives on the Alabama Gulf Coast that you can ask, “ Hey, what’s a good place to go to dinner?” Or “Where’s the closest Walmart to my property?” Get down here and still need help? Come see us in the office! We are located across from The Track at 3145 Gulf Shores Parkway (Alabama Hwy 59). If you need us after office hours we have an on-call service that is there to help or you can send us a text message!

Pets are welcome!

Sunset knows that your four- legged friends become family and are so hard to leave at home. That’s why we make sure that we have properties for you and them! Many of our properties are dog friendly, with only some restrictions. We are also always happy to recommend the best beaches and dog parks!

No Scams or spams

We won’t spam you and we won’t scam you. While some individuals may not actually be who they say they are, Sunset Properties is a reputable company, both in our local area and nationally. We are proud to be a member of the Coastal Alabama Business Chamber and a partner with the Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau. Additionally, we have partnerships with Xplorie, and Red Sky. We are the real deal and we have over thirty-five years of experience in the real estate and hospitality industry and we are here to stay. You can rest assured you’re booking with a great company and rest well when you arrive and stay with us.

December 12, 2022December 12, 2022

Winter Concert Series at the Alabama Gulf Coast

We have a really cool Winter Concert Series coming to Gulf Shores at the end of January. Tickets are $35 and the shows will be held at Erie H. Meyer Civic Center. Doors open at 6 and the shows start at 7. Click here to purchase tickets.

Starting off the series on January 30^th and 31^st we have Jim Witter’s “The Piano Men.” Jim Witter is a world renowned Canadian musician that has been traveling for 30 years! He has been preforming “The Piano Men” for over 15 of those years. He is known for his renditions of songs from singers Elton John and Billy Joel. His show begins with songs from the 1970’s and progresses through time. Showing clips, newspaper headlines, and events from the time periods. Jim really gives you a blast from the past with this show with Witter playing the grand piano. This is going to be a concert you do not want to miss. This is a show people beg to see again and again!

Next up we have Riders in the Sky on February 6^th and 7^th. Riders in the Sky are known for preserving the heritage of Western Music and then presenting it the new generation. They have been preforming for over 40 years and have had more than 7,200 appearances as well as 40 albums! They have been playing The Grand Ole Opry for the last 35 years, which is where you will usually see them. Come out and see America’s Favorite Cowboys and see how they do it “The Cowboy Way!”

Marc Broussard is going to be giving us the gift of classic R&B , rock, and soul on February 16^th. He is known for having a Bayou Soul sound to his music. Marc was discovered after he released an independent EP and signed to Island Records and reordered his first album Canercro. This album was successful and led him to release more albums over the next few years with record labels, but has recently began to record independently again. Marc will be in Gulf Shores February 16^th and then will be continuing his tour through the US and ending overseas! Make sure you come out and get a dose of this amazing soul music.

To finish off an amazing line up of artists Paul Thorn will be closing the Winter Concert Series on March 2^nd. Paul is from Tupelo, Mississippi and makes sure that his Southern roots show through his music. Before pursuing a music career he was a professional boxer with a 14-4 record! His music career began while he was working in a furniture factory and playing local clubs where he was discovered by Miles Copeland. By the end of the month Paul was opening for Sting. Since then he has recorded 12 albums of his own!

Looking to come down and check out the Winter Concert Series? Sunset Properties has you covered! Whether you need a property for the whole family or just something for two, we have options! Give us a call at 251-543-1370 or check out online at www.sunsetproperties.com .

August 19, 2022August 19, 2022

The Orange Beach Wharf

Have you missed the concert scene? Being able to listen to your favorite band or artist perform the song you have listened to for years is a feeling you just can’t describe. Or, you get to town and realize there’s a concert playing near you and you just go. Then, the next day you’re back at the beach getting a tan. If these sound like things you’re interested in you should check out The Wharf Amphitheater in Orange Beach, AL. On their lineup this year you will see names like Dierks Bentley, Phish, Jimmy Buffet, and Morgan Wallen.

Check out our two condos at The Caribe for a place to stay! Caribe B Penthouse 4 is a 3 bedroom condo with a beautiful view overlooking the bay. While Caribe C Penthouse 14 has a view of the gulf! Bring the family and enjoy the amenities that the caribe has to offer. 6 pools total, 2 water slides, fishing docks, tennis courts, a putting green, and even his/her saunas. Cobalt is located right next to the condos and has some of the best food you could imagine! If you plan on eating there make sure you get there early or the wait may be long. If you don’t feel like waiting for a table at the actual restaurant you can check out the poolside Cabana Menu. The best part is that it is located only 15 minutes from The Wharf! Perfect for those that are wanting to shop, explore, or see a concert. Plus, if you just want to stay in you can always check out all the cool things the Caribe has to offer.

For a full list of concerts and events at The Wharf click here!

August 8, 2022August 8, 2022

Day Trips to take from Gulf Shores

Hey friends! Have you done all the beach days you can handle? Are you a little burnt but don’t want to sit in the condo by yourself? Well, load the family up and take a day trip! I have a few options that are great for kids and adults alike. The cool thing about Gulf Shores and Orange Beach is that they are surrounded by beach towns that are unique in their own ways! Aquariums, Sea Turtle Conservations, Historical Districts, and soooo much more.

Pensacola, FL is about 33 miles from Gulf Shores and boasts an astounding amount of history in their small little town. You can spend the day exploring downtown Pensacola where they have shops, bars, and museums! You can even take a tour of the historical district and learn about the heritage. If museums aren’t your thing be sure to check out Palafox, St. where the shopping is plentiful. Plenty of places to stop and snack at and even a chocolate store to curb your sweet tooth! Once you get done shopping, head over to the beach and eat at one of Pensacola Beach’s best seafood restaurants, Peg Leg Petes. Come grab a bushwacker, listen to the live band, and let the kids play on the playground while you wait!

If you venture a little further down Hwy 98 to Navarre you will find a Sea Turtle Conservatory! This houses turtles that are either injured or cannot be released back into the wild. Sweet Pea is one of their turtles that cannot be released back into the wild because she was caught in a marine net as a baby. Their slogan is, “Giving Sea Turtles More Tomorrows.” The current hours of the Conservation area is Tuesday-Saturday from 10 a.m- 4 p.m. Along with the sea turtle enclosure, they have an outdoor turtle enclosure as well!

Are you in the Fort Morgan area? Take the Mobile Bay Ferry over to Dauphin Island for the day! Dauphin island is fun for all ages! It is only about a 30 minute ride and you can even bring your car with you! They have an amazing hands-on aquarium that you can take the kids to visit. If you plan ahead a little you can even take an excursion to see how they care for the

animals. Is the aquarium not your thing? Go deep sea fishing for the day! Go reel in a Red Snapper or an Amberjack and send us a pic!

July 27, 2022July 27, 2022

Dog Friendly locations on the Alabama Gulf Coast!

Hi Friends! Bringing your pet to the beach doesn’t have to stop at the house you’re renting. Sunset Properties has a great selection of pet friendly homes that you can visit! Just a few options we have are Tortuga Bay, Happy Clam, and Eden’s Waters. Check out our website for a complete list of our pet friendly rentals. Orange Beach and Gulf Shores have done a great job trying to be more pet inclusive! For a full list of restaurants that have outdoor seating and welcome pets click here. In the meantime, check out this list of places we think are great!

Gulf Shores Dog Park

Gulf Shores Dog Park is open everyday from Sunrise to Sundown! They even have a designated area for dogs that are under 25 pounds! They do have a few rules so make sure you check out their website before visiting.

Fort Morgan Beach

Fort Morgan is known for their pet friendly beaches! So, bring the family and head down to the beach for a week of memories no one will forget.

Dog Pond at Lake Shelby

The Dog pond at Lake Shelby is located in Gulf State Park at the picnic area. Pawrents are welcome to bring their furry friend and play in the water while also enjoying the state park! Check out their website for more details.

The Wharf

The wharf invites you to bring your furry friends while you shop, dine, and relax with family. They are allowed to roam wherever you do as long as they are under control! Most restaurants have outside tables for you to enjoy dinner with your pups.

Cobalt

Not only does cobalt have awesome food and a great view, but they also have outdoor seating for you to bring your dog!

Tacky Jacks

Tacky Jacks is fun for the whole family. With three locations you are always near a Tacky Jacks, and you can get there by land or water. Come enjoy the views of the water while your kids play and you and your pup hangs out at the table eating good food and maybe even hearing some live music!

A few safety tips for you and your pup while you are out and about enjoying nature!

Make sure they are up to date on Vaccines
Watch the temperature!
Bring your pups essentials (i.e water bowl, leash, doggie poop bag, towel)
Watch for Marine life (not just sharks but jellyfish too!)

June 22, 2022June 22, 2022

For the Vacationer with a Sweet Tooth

At Sunset Properties we are ALL about dessert! We put together a list of all our favs and HAD to share it with y’all.

1. Hope’s Cheesecakes
If you are into specialty cheesecakes then this is the place for you. They have everything you could ever imagine! They have special flavors of cheesecakes along with key lime pie. Just remember that they are closed on Sunday and Monday!

2. Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Pie from The Original Oyster House
This peanut butter pie has been the source of many a family fight in our household. If you decide to order one for a family function make sure you get extras! If you don’t you will have family members crying asking, “ There’s not anymore?” If you fall in love with this recipe like we have, you’re in luck, they have the recipe online! Follow this link and watch the YouTube video they have on how to make it.

3. Scoops Ice Cream
Scoops Ice Cream is a must stop for kids, adults, and everyone in between! Regular ice cream, milkshakes, cookies, and even handcrafted chocolates. They have a bunch of super cool flavors like Snick-A-Ripple, Cotton Candy, and Banana Pudding! For a full list of flavors you can visit their website!

4. The Yard Milkshake Bar
The Yard is known for their eccentric over-the-top milkshakes. If you have ever wanted a milkshake with a full cupcake, a piece of cheesecake, a donut, or a cookie on top. They have three June specials going on right now with Creamsicle Cheesecake, Taste the Raindough, and On Cloud 9. These are definitely a treat that you will be telling people about for months to come, and you even get the souvenir glass to take home!

5. Deep South Cake Company
Are you celebrating a birthday, anniversary, or a celebration? This is the place to get that last minute cake or cupcakes! Caramel cupcakes, red velvet cake, s’mores cookies, and caramel cakes are a few of the things that you will see on their menu. All of their goodies are to die for, and if you don’t believe us just check out their reviews! They’re open Tuesday- Saturday 10 am-5 pm so make sure you get by before they close!

Looking for a last minute condo reservation before June 30th? We have a fill in the gap special going on that’s got some awesome prices on it! We have properties like Caribe B Penthouse 4, Indies 101, and Ocean House 2202! Check out our website for pricing and then give us a call from 9 am-4 pm and let us see what’s available for you!

June 14, 2022June 14, 2022

5 Souvenirs to bring home from the beach

1. Hermit Crab and Sand/SeaShell Jar
What’s more fun than bringing a pet home from vacation? Especially one that’s low maintenance with a painted shell! Hop on over to Alvin’s Island and find the hermit crabs and any accessories you may need. Or, if you want something you don’t have to feed and take care of you can get a seashell jar. Which is just a jar of sand and seashells from the beach that’s decorated so you know where it came from! They also have a great selection of t-shirts, beach toys, and other beach necessities!

2. T-shirt from The Flora Bama
The Flora Bama is the famous bar located on the Florida Alabama state line. This a must stop for a lot of people, including celebrities. Kenny Chesney even wrote a song about it! What would be cooler than a t-shirt from somewhere Kenny Chesney has been? There’s always something going on so check out the events page to stay up to date. Come hang out and drink a bush wacker from one of the best bars on the beach.

3. The Prosperous Pelican for pottery and hand made items
If you are more into bringing home souvenirs that you will either use or enjoy more definitely check out The Prosperous Pelican! They have handmade items and art from 60 different artists around town. They have anything from pottery to hand painted wine glasses.

4. The Hot Shop
The Hot Shop is the perfect place to pick up those Christmas gifts for the grandparents or in-laws. They have a whole gallery full of art that you can choose from including blown glass, paintings, and so much more! You can watch the artists create the blown glass daily Monday-Thursday (the artists do break from 12-1). You can even make an appointment and create your own blown glass.

5. Grab Dinner and a T-shirt from The Hangout
Great Music, Great for kids, and Great food. What more could you ask for? The Hangout is perfect for kids, teens, and adults. They have a little bit of everything. If your teens are always looking for the best place to take instagram worthy pics make sure to check out this blog for the best spots at the Hangout!

Still looking for a place to stay? Sunset Properties is running a “Fill in the Gap” special right now! Choose any gap in the existing reservations and get an awesome deal. We have openings in condos Boardwalk 1085, Crystal Tower 1406, Crystal Tower 502, and many more. It is good for reservations before June 30th, 2022, give us a call so you don’t miss out!